NBA Basketball
2012-03-20 - Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Basketball : North America : NBA
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012, 8:00PM US
(12:00AM GMT)
TEAM STATS
LOS ANGELES ---- Total 28-17 :: Home 19-3 :: Road 9-14 :: Streak L1
HOUSTON ------ Total 24-22 :: Home 16-6 :: Road 8-16 :: Streak L2
PREVIEW
The Los Angeles Lakers had their 5 game winning streak come to an end when they lost 103-99 to the Utah Jazz, and Kobe Bryant in particular was gargling balls all night, going 3 for 20 from the floor and scoring just 15 points. I bet you can't remember a worse night for the Lakers star in years. The only thing you can be sure of tonight is a huge effort from him, which is what you need when betting the Lakers.
Jordan Hill joined the Lakers from Houston, along with Ramon Sessions, and both men played in Sundays loss to Utah. We should get a better performance from both men tonight as they look to right things, and of course, Hill will want a win against his old side. As part of that transfer, the Lakers sent Derek Fisher to the Rockets, but they will not get to play him tonight. With Kyle Lowry also out through infection, that is a big blow for Houston, who have lost 2 straight games now and have Goran Dragic as the only fit PG on the team. Team scoring is down heavily from their average of 98, as the side have averaged just 88.5 in those last two losses.
The last game for Houston was a loss, on Sunday, as they fell 99-86 against the Phoenix Suns, who they now lead by just half a game. They're likely to lose that too, because the Lakers have had their number of late. Los Angeles have beaten Houston in 7 of the last 9 meetings, and Bryant looks like he will bounce right back from his horrible performance, as he is averaging 27 points and 44% shooting against Houston over his career.
The visiting Lakers may not have a fantastic away record this season, but with the like of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol also on the team getting the Lakers points, it is quite possible we see the California outfit record a convincing win over Houston. The Rockets have lost 8 of their last 11 matches, are clearly in a slump and offensively challenged, and did lose their last meeting with the Lakers 108-99.
BETTING VERDICT
Got to be the Lakers. Take them to bounce back and cover the spread with ease.
The Pick :
Los Angeles Lakers
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take the Los Angeles Lakers -2.5 @ 1.95 (Pinnacle)
